Judd Trump was forced into a change of look at the European Masters on Tuesday after his suitcase was lost en route to Germany, borrowing Xiao Guodong’s waistcoat for his first round win over Noppon Saengkham.
The world number two cobbled together some kit on the morning of his game, getting hold of a shirt and trousers to play in, while he turned to Xiao for a waistcoat that suited his needs.
It wasn’t ideal preparation for Trump who had a stern test ahead of him in the first round against Noppon, but he overcame both his wardrobe issues and the Thai star, securing a 5-2 win.
Trump was being asked about his waistcoat situation after the match when Stuart Bingham provided a distraction and got a burn for his troubles.
‘It’s Xiao Guodong’s,’ Trump said of his waistcoat. ‘I was going to wear Stuart Bingham’s, but it didn’t quite fit me.
‘We managed to scramble some stuff together, a bit of this and that. I was walking about the shops for about three hours this morning trying to find some clothes. In the end I managed to do a good job. It is quite difficult playing in clothes you aren’t comfortable in, but I managed to get through that game.
‘It is a lonely feeling seeing everyone with their suitcase walking to the bus, while I’m the only one without mine.
‘It was pretty disappointing, but my cue came which is one good thing and in the end it didn’t make much difference.
‘Hopefully I can get my case back and put on some new clothes for tomorrow.’
Trump is back in action on Wednesday night against Ashley Hugill in the second round and was thrilled to get to this stage after just three games before this tournament since the World Championship final in May.
‘It was one of the worst draws, I think, he’s quite high up in the rankings, I’m not sure where, but it’s not a good first round draw,’ said Judd.
‘The two frames I lost I only broke off and they were good breaks. In the end it’s a really good win for me.
‘It’s hard to know [where my game is]. I’m really pleased with that win against Noppon because he did look quite sharp there. That’s a brilliant win for me to start the season.’
Trump is favourite to lift the title in Germany, with the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Neil Robertson and John Higgins not in Furth.
The Ace’s chances have also been improved by a few more big names going out on Tuesday, with losses for Mark Selby, Luca Brecel, Anthony McGill and Graeme Dott.
Selby suffered a 5-2 defeat to Chinese youngster Yuan Sijun, while McGill was beaten by Si Jiahui and Dott by Zhou Yuelong.
Hossein Vafaei may also have been fancied to do well in the European Masters, but visa issues kept the Iranian out of the tournament, with Xiao Guodong receiving a walk-over, and freeing up his waistcoat for Trump.
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